Review: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos (Greece)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Late summer 2023, I traveled to Greece’s mainland and the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Four Seasons Hotel Astir Palace, Athens
Review: Nobu Hotel Santorini
Review: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos (today)

Today: Review of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos (Greece)

Hotel website: Cavo Tagoo
Location: Google maps

Blending cosmopolitan sophistication and barefoot island chic, 5-star Cavo Tagoo is a luxury hotel located on the outskirts of Mykonos Town on the idyllic Greek island of Mykonos. Comprehensively renovated in 2018, this sumptuous and super-trendy hotel features a fabulous infinity pool, a surreal aquarium bar, spectacular sunset views, a world-class fine dining restaurant, and an intimate spa offering a host of superb relaxing and therapeutic treatments. Gently tumbling down a hill to the Aegean Sea, the property offers a wide range of 83 luxury rooms and suites, furnished in the chic white and minimalist style that the Cycladic Islands are famous for. Guests can also book a private villa for that special romantic getaway, and all the rooms have a terrace or balcony, with options for sea views, private pool and/or Jacuzzi.

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Greece, the best luxury hotels in Mykonos, and the most popular hotels on Instagram.

Have you ever stayed at Cavo Tagoo Mykonos? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cavo Tagoo is located on the western coast of the idyllic island of Mykonos. According to mythology, Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules and took its name from Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos. With its traditional whitewashed houses, iconic windmills, and cobblestoned mazy alleyways, the postcard-worthy island villages and especially the capital Chora (better known as Mykonos Town) devotedly preserve their authentic Cycladic character. Mykonos is mainly known for its party lifestyle next to none, its LGBT welcoming ambience, and its beautiful (but often crowded) beaches.

Considered by many to be one of the top hotels in Mykonos, Cavo Tagoo enjoys a beautiful setting in a bay on the outskirts of Mykonos Town. Tumbling down a rocky hill in sensuous curves, the famous property offers spectacular views of the deepblue Aegan Sea from its multi-level terraces and alleys. Staying here is also convenient as it puts you within walking distance of Mykonos Town and its nightlife; the hotel also provides 24/7 on-demand complimentary shuttle service to town if you don’t want to walk. The airport is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and the ferry terminal is only a 5 minute drive away.

Built in 1985 on top of an abandoned quarry and extensively renovated in 2005 and 2018, Cavo Tagoo Mykonos features a fashionable design. The hotel’s light-filled public areas pair traditional Cycladic whitewashed architecture with bold contemporary art and gleaming splashes of gold, creating a trendy and soothing ambiance that makes it a dreamy escape. Use of traditional rustic elements – such as roof top pebble bonding, exposed stone walls, and authentic bamboo ceilings – connect Cavo Tagoo with its surroundings, albeit in a strikingly modern and minimalist way. But while the sense of haute-couture chic is visible in all areas of the hotel, the property’s focus is still the startling blue of the sea and sky, which can be glimpsed from every door and window.

Located next to the airy lobby, the hotel’s center of action is the stunning pool deck, which has featured in countless Instagram photos. The 38 meter (125 feet) long fresh water pool follows the curves of the shore and offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and other Greek islands in the distance. The infinity pool was enlarged in 2018 and now features two rows of floating sun loungers which are obviously highly popular among the hotel’s good-looking guests, who comes here to relax, socialize, see and be seen. There’s also a third row of sun loungers behind the pool, with covers providing some welcome shade during the heat of the day (although it never gets too hot in Mykonos due to the constant breeze).

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos features 83 individually decorated and designed rooms, suites and villas, which all embody a Cycladic whitewashed design infused by minimalist purity. During my visit, I was upgraded to a two bedroom suite. Evoking a fusion of high-quality style and sophistication, the mesmerizing suite encapsulated the cosmopolitan grace of Mykonos in its brilliantly appointed interior. The suite’s cozy living area gave way to a lovely terrace with private plunge pool with daybed and floating loungers. The suite featured a master bedroom with plush king-size bed and an open-plan bathroom (equipped with one sink and a walk-in shower) as well as a second, albeit smaller bedroom with a similar layout.

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos features only one restaurant – called Meraki – which is located pool-side in an open-air setting, offering beautiful vistas of the shimmering Aegean Sea. The restaurant offers a menu with casual fare at lunch but becomes a fine dining venue – and one of Mykonos’ most sought after dinner places – in the evening, serving mouthwatering food that is inspired by fine international recipes and authentic Greek specialties. Each morning (from 8 am till 11.30 am), the restaurant also puts out a lavish breakfast buffet, that will impress even the most seasoned travelers. Next to the restaurant is a lively bar with a stunning aquarium counter, which is perfect for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Cavo Tagoo’s west-facing and elevated location affords incredible sunset views from every corner (rooms and public areas). Besides its picturesque villages and legendary party scene, Mykonos is also widely known as one of the world’s most magical sunsets spots. Each evening, thousands of tourists flock to the western side of the island (mainly Little Venice in Mykonos Town) to watch the spectacle of the setting sun painting the sky in the most magnificent color palette. But guests of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos won’t have to mingle with the crowds as its one of the very few hotels on the island offering unobstructed views of the sunset which – combined with the infinity pool – makes for some awesome photo opportunities.

Located one floor below the lobby, the hotel’s intimate spa offers a realm of pampering, relaxation and wellness. Facilities include a steam bath, sauna and several treatment rooms (for couples and single travelers). The spa offers a great range of treatments enriched with extra virgin Greek olive oil and valuable minerals from the Aegean Sea. All spa products have been diligently sourced for their efficacy, texture, fragrance and holistic integrity (and they are available for purchase as well). There’s also a decently equipped gym next to the spa although this place has no natural light due to its location in the basement.

The hotel enjoys celebrity status. Currently, Cavo Tagoo is the most popular hotel in the world on social media, with more than 2 million followers on Instagram, and more than 100K followers on Facebook. Part of the hotel’s fame is because the property was visited by A-list celebritries from across the world, who shared their holidays and experiences on social media, transforming the hotel into a magnet for the jetset. Regular celebrity visitors include supermodel Izabel Goulart, Lindsay Lohan, Pretty Little Liars’ star Shay Mitchell, Ariana Grande, Gerard Butler, Paris Hilton, Leo Di Caprio, and even the Kardashians.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos exudes a trendy and cool vibe. For example, lounge music is played all day long around the pool by an in-house DJ, which contributes to the property’s popularity among a young and stylish clientele, but may not be to the liking of those seeking tranquil seclusion.

The views of the Aegean Sea are amazing. However there is a ferry port close to the hotel, and in summer one to two cruise ships per day anchor in the bay in front of the hotel. This may occasionally block the view of the horizon or the sunset, although this won’t be an issue for most guests. In fact, it’s fun to observe the hectic activity around these ships from the pool deck.

There is a busy cliff road in front of the property, directly underneath the pool. The good news is that you cannot see that road from the pool deck (unless you swim to the pool’s edge) although the sound of passing traffic is sometimes audible from the pool area.

The property has no direct beach access, although there are two, rather unattractive beaches right in front of the hotel. Mykonos’ best beaches are located on the island’s other side, but are still within an easy 15-minute (taxi) drive from the hotel.

The hotel is located close to Mykonos town. The center (with its restaurants, shops and picturesque Little Venice district) can be reached on foot, but the walk requires braving a busy cliff road without a sidewalk, poorly lit at night. You have to be very careful, so I advise to make use of the hotel’s on-demand complimentary shuttle service to/from town (24/7), although the hotel car is not always available at times of high occupancy .

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is an expensive property, but you should know that going in. Room rates are in line with what you would pay at other high-end properties on the Greek islands. While food is exorbitantly priced, it is genuinely among the best and most sophisticated food on the island.

The property gets some mixed reviews on Tripadvisor regarding its service. I can assure you though that during my stay, the service was nothing short of perfect and the staff couldn’t be more helpful, from the house maids and servers to the concierge and management.

MY VERDICT

Location: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good 8,2/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Cavo Tagoo (and/or receive many free perks).

Room tip: book or request a room as far as possible from the main pool, so that you are not bothered by the (loud) music played there during the day. In addition, suites are well worth the splurge as they feel more spacious.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

IMHO, the best time to visit Mykonos are the autumn months of September and October, since the weather is still great, the tourist crowds have left, the sea temperature is at its warmest, and the hotel rates descend back into a reasonable range. The spring months of April and May – right before the arrival of the summer rush – are also a great time to visit, although the sea is cold and you may encounter some cloudy days. Mykonos is a very popular holiday destination for Europeans in June, July and August: expect hordes of tourists, nonstop parties and soaring hotel rates at this time of year. Summers also see a lot of windy days, with the Meltemi blowing for long periods, especially in the afternoons (sometimes gale force like winds).

HOW TO GET THERE

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is a 5 min car ride from the ferry harbour and a 10 min ride from the aiport. Click here for a constantly updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mykonos Airport.

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos. To view more hotel photos (including breakfast, lunch and dinner at Meraki Restaurant), click here.